South Africa is now on Level 2 lockdown, allowing more sectors to reopen to the public. Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, [August 19] Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane outlined the new regulations on travel, accommodation and entertainment.

During her speech, Kubayi-Ngubane noted that the pandemic has been devastating for the tourism sector, and it will take much time and hard work to try and recover.

“As we pick up, not from where we have left, but rather in a new environment, we are putting together the pieces of a new path towards recovery as many people in our sector return to work to provide for their families following months of hardship as we traverse through one of the most difficult periods in the history of our country and indeed the world,” she said.

“Our road to recovery as a sector has begun, we will in the coming weeks consolidated inputs received on the Tourism Sector Recovery Strategy before we will submit our plan to Cabinet. Our intention is to start as soon as possible with the implementation of the recovery plan. We are mindful that this is critical as tourism is one of the pillars for the broader South African economic recovery and growth.”

The minister notes that there has been interest from domestic and international investors looking for new opportunities in the tourism sector, which gives the Department much hope.

The shift to Level 2 will reignite business activities, save jobs and the many livelihoods that are facing difficulties due to the pandemic.

Areas that have been opened and regulations changed under Level 2 are:

Accommodation:

– The requirements announced under Level 3 remain and additional to the direction is to allow accommodation for inter-provincial leisure travellers

– Accommodation facilities are expected to ensure that their breakfast and reception area keep to 50% of occupancy space

– Airbnb may reopen, and it is up to the host of the venue to comply with all sanitation and social distancing regulations.

Restaurants

– The requirements announced under Level 3 remain and an addition to the direction is to allow onsite consumption of alcohol at licensed restaurants and bars every day and in compliance with the curfew time that starts at 10pm

Places of attractions

– Places of attractions may open. These include, but are not limited to theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, science centres, nature and game reserves, national parks and other entertainment and cultural attractions

– Tourism attractions must ensure social distancing and marking floors where tourists must stand. Online bookings are encouraged where possible, to allow managing of the numbers

– Ensure that tourists and tourist guides wear their masks and sanitise regularly

– Provide sanitisation, where attractions have touch screens and touch buttons

– For all activities such as water, quad bikes, hot air balloon etc, ensure proper sanitisation after every use.

Guided tours

– Tourist Guides to ensure social distancing (e.g. marking seat or standing areas), sanitise, and wear masks at all times during the tours

– Tourist guides to keep records of their group tours and make them available when required by relevant authorities

Venues for weddings and functions

– The wedding host or function venue must ensure that they comply with requirement of a maximum of 50 people

– They must further ensure compliance to social distancing, sanitising and wearing of masks

Picture: Twitter / SA Gov News